Mobile malware up 163% in 2012, says NQ Mobile

Mobile malware threats increased 163% to more than 65,000 in 2012, according to the latest security report from global
mobile internet services provider NQ Mobile.

The company warns that the problem is becoming more complex as smarter mobile malware can better
target connected devices.

Nearly 95% of all mobile malware discovered in 2012 targeted Google’s Android operating system
(OS), while the top three attack methods were repackaging malware in seemingly legitimate apps,
malicious fake URLs, and SMS phishing known as “smishing”.

NQ Mobile estimates that these forms of malware helped infect an estimated 32.8 million Android
devices in 2012, an increase of over 200% percent from 2011.

The report said that in the first quarter of 2013, mobile malware threats continued to grow and
have become smarter, with an estimated 10 million devices being infected with malware in that
time.

In February, a new type of mobile malware was discovered that could jump from an Android device
to infect a PC when they were connected via the USB port.

Mobile hackers are using malware to capture consumers’ private information and then selling this
information to cyber criminals who are in turn using social engineering tactics to gain access to
the consumers’ finances, the report said.

Researchers found that 28% of mobile malware discovered in 2012 was designed to collect and
profit from a user’s personal data.

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